Analysis of Sequelae after Pediatric Phalangeal Fractures

The majority of pediatric phalangeal fractures yield excellent results following conservative or operative treatment. However, a certain subset of fractures is associated with long-term sequelae such as osteonecrosis, physeal growth arrest, malunion, and malposition.

This study summarizes all sequelae following phalangeal fractures treated within a 10-year period (2003-2012). The underlying fractures were analyzed and classified in fractures with extensive soft tissue involvement, fractures involving the joint and adjacent bony parts, neck fractures, fractures complicated by infection and sequelae after simple fractures following inadequate initial treatment.

In total, 40 patients (27 males; 13 females) with a mean age of 6.2 years (range, 1-18 years) were treated for sequelae following fractures of the phalanges. Ten patients (6 males; 4 females) developed sequelae (limited range of motion, premature physeal closure) following fractures with extensive soft tissue damage. Thirteen patients presented with sequelae (mostly limited range of motion, premature physeal closure) following fractures involving the joint and adjacent bony parts of the phalanges. Transcondylar and subcondylar neck fractures leading to sequelae were seen in 10 patients. Sequelae consisted of limited range of motion in nine and malposition in six cases. In half of the patients, osteonecrosis (n = 5) and premature physeal closure (n = 5) complicated the clinical course. Three patients with open fractures and four patients with inadequate initial treatment presented with sequelae.

Most sequelae of phalangeal fractures are consequences of fracture per se and are therefore fateful. However, the degree and severity of the long-term sequelae can be minimized by a correct and timely treatment.